526-201 Principles of Microbiology & Immunology

Biology 650-141 and 650-142 (prior to 2004: 600-141 and 600-142). 25 points of 100-level chemistry is not essential but is highly desirable.

BBiomedSc students: 650-131 and 650-132 (prior to 2004: 600-131 and 600-132).

Upon completion of this subject, students should:

• have acquired a foundation for future subjects in microbiology and immunology;

• appreciate the importance of microbiology and immunology in the fields of medicine, public health, genetics and biotechnology;

• be familiar with the terminology used by microbiologists and immunologists;

• have insight into the type of investigations fundamental to the development of basic microbiological concepts;

• be able to describe simple microbial life processes;

• understand how these processes are involved in infectious disease and interactions with hosts' immune systems, adaptation and survival of microorganisms and the promotion or control of microorganisms;

• be able to describe the comparative properties of Bacteria, Archaea and eukaryotic microbial cells and viruses;

• understand the signficance of all these microorganisms in the environment.

Students will enhance their ability to seek and utilize information from textbooks and computer-based source, to apply that information to gaining an insight into real life situations and to extending and enhancing concepts and material introduce in lectures.

A 1-hour written examination held mid-semester (20%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

• L M Prescott, J P Harley and D A Klein, Microbiology. 6th edn, 2005.